Latest news with #AK-47
Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Indian Express
BKI member wanted in arms trafficking in Capital, Punjab police station grenade attack cases held by Delhi Police
The Delhi Police Special Cell Wednesday arrested a member of the banned Khalistani group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) who is wanted in illegal arms trafficking in the national capital and police station grenade attack cases in Punjab. The accused has been identified as Akash Deep, in his early 20s. He was allegedly involved in the grenade attack at the Lal Singh Qila police station in Punjab's Batala in April, the police said, adding that he has been interrogated. The police said Deep is suspected of having helped the accused who threw a grenade near the police station on the intervening night of April 6 and 7. The Punjab Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Explosives Act. A day after the blast, BKI claimed in a social media post that the attack was carried out in retaliation for the Pilibhit encounter in December 2024 in which three people allegedly linked to another grenade attack on the Bakshiwala police station in Gurdaspur were killed by a joint team of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab Police. In December last year, the Punjab Police, along with the Uttar Pradesh Police, shot dead three alleged Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) operatives identified as Gurvinder Singh, 25, Virendra Singh alias Ravi, 23, and Jasan Preet Singh alias Pratap Singh, 18, all residents of Gurdaspur. They were reportedly involved in grenade attacks on another police outpost in Punjab in November. The police claimed to have seized two AK-47 assault rifles, two Glock pistols, and a significant quantity of ammunition from their possession. Later, during the investigation, the UP Police said the accused had come to Pilibhit under the instructions of the wanted BKI operative Kulbeer Singh alias Sidhu.
India.com
20 hours ago
- General
- India.com
After 62 Glorious Years Of Service, India's Legendary MiG-21 Fighter Jet Set To Retire
In a significant move, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially announced the retirement of its iconic MiG-21 fighter jets. The aircraft, which has served the nation since 1963, will take its final flight on September 19, 2025 from the Chandigarh Air Base, home to the IAF's 23rd Panther Squadron. Nicknamed the "AK-47 of the skies" for its precision and reliability, the MiG-21 has safeguarded India's airspace for over six decades. Initially used for surveillance in the 1965 war due to a lack of trained pilots, the jet proved its mettle in the 1971 India-Pakistan war by downing 13 Pakistani aircraft with only one loss. It also played a crucial role in the 1999 Kargil War and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, where Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman famously shot down a Pakistani F-16 using his MiG-21 Bison. In today's DNA, Zee News Managing Editor, Rahul Sinha decorded the glorious years of India's Legendary MiG-21 Fighter Jet. Watch Today's Full Episode Despite its valor, the MiG-21's history is also marred by frequent crashes, earning it the grim title of "flying coffin." Still, it remains the world's oldest operational fighter jet, with several countries like Syria, Libya, North Korea, and Cuba still using modified versions. Others, such as Yemen and Uganda, continue flying its original version. Interestingly, civilians in some countries can now purchase retired MiG-21s for display, subject to strict demilitarization and licensing. Designed by Artem Mikoyan and Mikhail Gurevich, the aircraft's name stands for MiG – Mikoyan-Gurevich. Globally, over 11,500 units have been produced and used by more than 60 countries. As India prepares to bid farewell to this legendary warbird, the MiG-21's legacy of bravery, sacrifice, and excellence will remain deeply etched in the golden pages of the Indian Air Force's history.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
Guns used in DJ Sumbody murder linked to at least 10 cases, say police
The firearms that killed Oupa John Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody, including an AK-47 rifle, are linked to at least 10 high-profile cases that include murder and attempted murder. This was disclosed on Tuesday by national police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe outside the Alexandra magistrate's court in Johannesburg, where four people appeared in connection with the November 2022 murder of Sefoka and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza. The trio were ambushed in a hail of bullets in Woodmead in what police believe was a planned execution. Sandton businessman Katiso 'KT' Molefe, accused of being the mastermind who ordered the hit on DJ Sumbody, was arrested on Monday. His co-accused and alleged hitmen are Michael Pule Tau, Tiego Floyd Mabusela and Musa Kekana. According to the charge sheet, the four face three counts of murder and unlawful possession of firearms. On Tuesday, the prosecution said new information had come to their attention that needed to be investigated before they could proceed with a bail application by Molefe. The case was postponed to July 29, with the court ordering Molefe be kept at the Kgoši Mampuru correctional centre in Tshwane. Molefe had been out on bail after being arrested in connection with the murder of Armand Swart, a Vereeniging engineer killed in April last year after his company allegedly flagged price gouging in a Transnet tender. The alleged hitmen in the same matter, Tau, Mabusela and Kekana, were in custody. Mabusela and Kekana also face charges of attempted murder in the Vusi 'Cat' Matlala case of attempted murder on his ex-girlfriend Tebogo Thobejane. Mathe told the media that within three hours of the murder of Swart, Gauteng organised crime detectives tracked down three suspects. During the arrests they seized one AK-47 rifle and three pistols. 'Those firearms have been in custody since. They were taken for ballistics testing.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Punjab Police steps up vigil: Mann government deploys anti-drone measures to curb cross-border smuggling
Mann government deploys anti-drone measures to curb cross-border smuggling in Punjab CHANDIGARH: Pakistan has long used drones to smuggle contraband, including heroin, arms, and explosives, into Punjab. In response, the Punjab Police has begun deploying advanced anti-drone technology in a bid to eliminate cross-border drug and arms trafficking. Official data suggests that drone intrusions have reduced significantly in recent years. According to data shared by the state government, drone seizures have risen sharply since 2022. While just 2 drones were intercepted in 2019, 7 in 2020, and 1 in 2021, the numbers spiked following the Aam Aadmi Party's government in Punjab. Punjab Police seized 28 drones in 2022, 121 in 2023, and a record 294 in 2024. As of July 15, 2025, 138 drones have been recovered this year, taking the total to 591 since 2022. Police have also arrested over 22,000 individuals under the state's 'War Against Drugs' campaign. The scale of contraband dropped via drones also remains a major concern. Recoveries so far include 932 kg of heroin, 263 pistols, 14 AK-47 rifles, 66 hand grenades, and nearly 15 kg of RDX. According to state officials, a layered surveillance system has been established in 596 border villages, which includes networks of local residents, retired soldiers, and police personnel tasked with 24/7 monitoring. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo The villages have been digitally mapped into three categories, with records of road layouts, suspect lists, and area-specific security requirements. Police officers now log activities using "beat books", and protection teams across villages are connected through WhatsApp. Authorities say the system ensures that security is embedded at the grassroots level rather than being limited to police stations. Punjab government has allocated ₹51 crore for the procurement of nine advanced anti-drone systems. Joint efforts by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police now involve technology-based tracking, forensic analysis, and communication surveillance to intercept drones. The AAP-led Punjab government said in a statement,' Whether it's drones, drugs, terrorism, or smuggling, no one will be spared. This is not just a matter of state security; it's about national safety, and the Punjab government is addressing it with full force.' Officials say districts such as Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Firozpur, and Fazilka were previously known for frequent drone activity, are now witnessing stronger border control.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Police clampdown thwarts Pakistan's plan; Bhagwant Mann govt breaks back of drug traffickers
By- Avinash Iyer CHANDIGARH: Pakistan has long attempted to smuggle drugs and weapons into Punjab using drones, but in recent years, the Punjab Police has successfully dismantled the drone-based narcotics network. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As a result, the number of drones crossing the border has steadily declined. To eliminate drone-based completely, the Punjab Police is now deploying anti-drone technology. In recent years, the use of drones for drug and arms trafficking has surged — with 2 drones caught in 2019, 7 in 2020, and just 1 in 2021. However, after the Bhagwant Mann government came into power in 2022, there was a dramatic spike in interceptions: 28 drones were seized in 2022, 121 in 2023, a record 294 in 2024, and 138 drones by July 15, 2025. In total, 591 drones have been confiscated by Punjab Police since 2022. During this period, under the "War Against Drugs" campaign, over 22,000 drug traffickers have been arrested — a testament to the government's on-ground crackdown. This comprehensive framework to curb drones, drugs, weapons, and traffickers shows that the Mann government is not only vigilant on the security front but is also sending a strong message of zero tolerance towards drugs and smuggling. The scale of contraband dropped via drones is chilling — over 932 kg of heroin, 263 pistols, 14 AK-47 rifles, 66 hand grenades, and nearly 15 kg of RDX have been recovered. For the first time, the Mann government has laid down a security net from the borders to the villages, effectively neutralizing the efforts of traffickers and terrorists. The credit goes to Punjab's unique and highly effective anti-drone system — a model that no other Indian state has yet implemented. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In 596 border villages, a surveillance system comprising local residents, retired soldiers, and police personnel has been created to monitor the borders around the clock. Any suspicious activity is immediately reported and acted upon. Villages have been digitally mapped into three categories, with detailed data on road networks, lists of suspicious individuals, and their specific security needs. Police officers now use "beat books" to log every activity, and all protection teams are connected via WhatsApp. Security is no longer confined to police stations — it's embedded in every village. Moreover, the Punjab government is investing ₹51 crore to procure nine advanced anti-drone systems for border deployment. Together, the BSF and Punjab Police are using technology, forensic investigation, and communication analysis to track every drone. Today, districts like Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Firozpur, and Fazilka — once notorious for drone smuggling — are now setting new benchmarks in security. Villages such as Khemkaran, Khalra, and Ajnala are no longer just in the headlines, but now play a central role in India's national security strategy.
